Q: What work do you do?A: I run a small bookkeeping and administrative business.

Q: How did you get into the business?A After I graduated from college, I worked for a family law firm and I realized I was pretty good at organizing and setting up systems to make the firm more efficient with their payables and receivables. After a couple of years, I was recruited to do the same at another company and this quickly became my specialty. I spent the next 13 years helping different companies with their organizational needs. About ten years ago, I took a leap of faith and quit my job (I had on small client at the time) and started my business. I love the idea that I control my own destiny, that I am completely responsible for my success or failure.

Q: What do you like most about your work?A: My work is different every day, I never have the same day twice.

Q: How has your business changed in the last five years?A: My business has expanded a lot, my new clients are far more diverse and their needs are very different than my original clients. It has been a challenge to learn new skills, but I have also had a great time doing it.

Q: As a bookkeeper, you must be very organized. Tell me 3 top tips to organize your work life.A:1) Everything has a place. For me, all work related items are kept in my office and each client has their own box. 2) Write it down/make list. It is easy to forget a task that someone has requested, or a report that is needed, so lists help you stay organized. iPhones can be put to good use!3) Develop a schedule— Write due dates down and goals and have a plan for tasks each day to reach those goals and make those due dates.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time? A: Tennis—I am obsessed with it, I took up again after 30+ years, and I took it up again. I am also heavily involved in a number of charities and really enjoy working for these wonderful causes. I love to hang out with my family and friends.

Q: What is one thing most people don't know about you?A: Last year I was able to do a stand-up routine at the Comedy Shrine for a fundraiser, benefiting Blessing in a Backpack. I had so much fun and have to admit that a fire was lit under me. I have been writing new material since I left the stage and can’t wait to get up and do it again this year.

Photo by: Sabina Cavalli Photography, a boutique studio in south Naperville that specializes in creating photographic art with you or your favorite people in it. Sabina is a Certified Professional Photographer, has her Masters of Photography Degree and has received top accolades including the Top 10 Imager in Illinois by the North Central District of the Professional Photographer of America (PPA) and National Bronze Photographer of the Year by the PPA. She teaches lighting and posing techniques at PPA affiliates in the Midwest. Please visit her website at www.sabinacavalli.com or call 630-699-2072 for a visit to her studio.